Postoperative spinal wound infections.

Abstract

Surgical site infection is a common adverse event and a significant source of morbidity after any spinal procedure. A patient who presents with postoperative infection often requires prolonged hospitalization, revision surgical procedures, and long-term intravenous antibiotics. Awareness of risk factors and preventive measures can lead to improved outcomes. Infection after spinal surgery may pose diagnostic challenges and difficult management questions. Postoperative spinal infections present with a diverse degree of severity, from superficial skin incision infections to deep subfascial infections with myonecrosis. Definitive management is based on etiology, clinical course, and patient risk factors.